Cleveland Metroparks' leader to retire

After 21 years, Cleveland Metroparks will need to find a new executive director.

That is how long Vern Hartenburg has held the position. The 62-year-old announced his decision to retire at the last agency park board meeting Thursday.

He is the second-longest serving executive director in the agency's 92-year history. As executive director, Hartenburg earned $148,500.

Under his leadership the parks system added 2,375 acres of parkland and today oversees 21,250 acres, including land in Willoughby Hills as part of the North Chagrin Reservation.

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Another highlight during Hartenburg's term was overseeing $75 million in new improvements at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo -- including the RainForest and the current $25 million African Elephant Crossing exhibit scheduled to open in 2011.

Also during his tenure the parks system earned the National Gold Medal Award in 1994, 2001, and 2007 in recognition as the nation's most outstanding parks system for its size.

"Cleveland Metroparks is such a truly significant aspect of Northeast Ohio, and it's been an honor to serve as a steward of the 'Emerald Necklace' for the past 21 years," Hartenburg said.

David Whitehead, Cleveland Metroparks park board president, said the agency can take pride in knowing it's been well served with Hartenburg at the helm, helping to establish high standards and growth.

"Any institution -- public or private -- would be fortunate to have an award-winning executive like Vern Hartenburg for over 20 years," Whitehead said.

Hartenburg also has earned praise from other local parks officials.

"Vern is a highly regarded professional and has done a remarkable job during his tenure at Cleveland Metroparks," said Steve Madewell, Lake Metroparks interim executive director.

"He's been recognized nationally for his contributions to the field and has been a very forward-thinking person in promoting Northeast Ohio as a region. I wish him nothing but the best."

Cleveland Metroparks' three park board members named a national search firm to help coordinate and find a replacement. The replacement is expected to start next spring, at which point Hartenburg will officially step down.